I read books all the time. There are very few books that I do not finish but for some reason every time I start a Bible study I never end up finishing it. I have at least six Bible studies that are sitting in my office that I've started but for whatever reason I've never finished them. This is SO embarrassing for me to admit but isn't confession one of the steps to recovery?
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When my church started a summer women's Bible study of the Armor of God I knew this was my chance to complete one. Maybe my problem has been not having accountability to help me finish?
I was so proud of myself! We started in June and as the weeks went on I kept up with my homework and never missed a weekly meeting until Dylan ended up in the hospital the first of August. Our final meeting was the Thursday that Dylan came home from the hospital. I was heartbroken but my baby definitely came first and at least this time I had a good excuse for not finishing the study.
Despite my circumstances of adjusting to life with a Type 1 diabetic child I was determined to finish this study so I emailed our women's ministry leader a few weeks later, explained why I wasn't able to attend the last meeting, and asked if there were some way I could get a copy of notes or a video from that final meeting. She couldn't send me the actual video that the group watched but she did send me a condensed version of the video which sadly sat untouched in my inbox for weeks.
After having a serious talk with my husband last week about procrastination and how I want more than anything to change my procrastinating habits I vowed to finish the Armor of God study by the end of October. I am proud to say that on October 22nd I finished!! I actually teared up and prayed a prayer of pure thanksgiving when I read that last sentence not only because I completed the study but because of everything that I have learned along the way.
Because of this study I have made new friends at church, I have completed my first Bible study, and most importantly I am starting to truly see myself the way that God sees me. This study (especially this last week) has opened my eyes to so many lies that I've been believing about God and myself as a child of God. I have felt trapped and like I've been in a battle my entire life but for the first time I feel truly free. I am free! I cannot tell you how amazing this feeling is. It is a total game changer.
I wanted something to commemorate this amazing feat as well as serve as a reminder of my newfound knowledge and freedom so my family took me to Mardel's so I could pick out something. I really wanted a picture to hang on the wall to remind me of each piece of armor that I have learned about and need to daily put on but we couldn't find anything that fit our decor. I am happy to report that I did not leave the store empty handed.
I had been thinking about a bracelet or some type of jewelry that I could wear as a reminder and this ring is exactly what I wanted! It has a condensed version of Ephesians 6:13-17 on it and is a beautiful reminder for me to stand firm! It was hard for me to get a good picture of it but you can find it on Mardel's website. It's not expensive by any means and I'm sure will one day tarnish but for now it will serve as a reminder and will forever be one of my most cherished possessions.
I also wanted to share with you one of my favorite graphics from From The Heart Art showing off each piece of the armor of God. I've had it on my Pinterest for awhile and just love it.
If you have not done this study yet I would HIGHLY recommend it. I am hoping (Lord willing) to be able to afford the leader kit one day and lead my own study in my home. In my opinion, this is a study that ALL women should go through. It's time Christian women learned how to fight and this is the study to help prepare you.
